Preparing stained glass items is a really exciting hobby that can be learnt without much problem. You can keep taking up more and more complex assignments as you get increasingly conversant with the basic steps of making stained glass supplies. The last attribute is what helps to keep the hobby as interesting even after years since you start taking it up as a hobby.
Unfortunately this hobby of making stained patterns suffers from some inherent risks. It is not like you can not manage the risk. However you must be aware of the risks that are involved so that you can actively guard yourself against such problems.
Soldering Kit
The most important issue with working with any glass is the inherent risk of injury. It does not take some complex algorithm to realize that any task involving extensive work with glass will be prone to injuries. All most all steps of preparation of glass items like handling of glass inventory, cutting of glass, putting it together etc expose you to potential of injury. The best protection against this risk is general awareness and working with a consciousness of this potential problem. Please be careful while walking around the room where you practice the craft. Definitely ensure that you have all your items in one particular room. Most importantly, if you have kids at home then please keep this room locked and ensure that kids do not even get near any of these glass objects.
Some types of stained glass have got a lead content. Lead poisoning is one of the most dangerous events to happen to anyone especially pregnant women. It can lead to miscarriage or malformed babies. That is why always insist on working with lead free glass and lead free soldering iron. The risk gets enhanced if you take up restoration of any old stained glass items. Most of the old stained glass windows have got lead content and most dangerously this lead has been converted into powder form in a number of cases. As a result the lead can cause some serious damage by getting inside your body through air.
Finally some basic tips about good house keeping will go a long way in reducing the risk involved with working with stained glass. Keep the work area as clean as possible and dispose off any waste material as soon as they are generated. The space should receive good natural light for a better sight which will reduce risk of accident. Finally educate everyone in your family about potential issues and how to avoid them.